LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 
oo ——<« 
WASHINGTON, January 20, 1588. . 
DEAR Sie: In accordance with your directions to make an investi- . 
gation of the grasses of the arid districts of the West, Mr. G. C. Nealley, 
of Houston, Tex., was appointed to investigate the grasses and forage 
plants of the arid portions of Texas, and Prof. S. M. Traey, of Columbia, 
Mo., to make similar investigations in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, 
and Utah. The latter investigations were very thorough, considering 
the time occupied, but were necessarily mainly restricted to the vicinity 
of the railroad stations. 
A detailed report from each of those observers is herewith presented. 
Of the 200 spécies collected in this region we may be assured. that there ‘ 
are mary which would prove usefui for cultivation, and it is to be hoped 
that the experiment stations of the States embraced in the arid districts 
will give to such a thorough trial. 
Respectfully, 
GEO. VASEY, 
Botanist. 
Hon. N. J. COLMAN. 
Mo.Bot.Garaen 
LS oS ee ee >. = 
